By Gofaone Motsamai and Keaoleboga Motshabi
Final-year students at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus were challenged to think beyond graduation during a public lecture hosted by the Humanities Student Academic Chapter.
The event took place on 24 July 2025, and brought together current students and NWU alumni working across different sectors to share their personal experiences and highlight the importance of planning, networking and mentorship.
The speakers urged students to begin taking deliberate steps to shape their professional paths before graduation. One of the alumni, Bongani Mahlangu, now an economic and political analyst and commentator, told students: “You are not going to be a student forever. How are you using this time to plot your next move?”
He recalled how student leadership roles had allowed him to start building networks. “We used to hold public lectures, because these would allow us to bring strategic people to campus. We brought in people from Standard Bank, the South African Reserve Bank, the Competition Commission and even the City of Ekurhuleni. The relationships we built here opened doors for us.”
Ofentse Molosiwa, a research assistant at the African Organisation of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions, spoke about the value of networking and connecting across cultures. “The first people you build relationships with are the people in the room. Some of you here are going to be ultra-successful, that is a given.”
He added that his own journey from the NWU to the audit sector involved “thinking outside of my comfort zone”. He encouraged students to look for opportunities beyond their immediate qualifications.
Value critical reading above fleeting trends
Dr Pumlani Majavu, lecturer in political studies and international relations at the NWU, joined the discussion and reminded students to remain grounded and intentional in their academic and professional pursuits. He warned against becoming dependent on social media for information and encouraged engagement with traditional media and critical reading.
“Students need to define their purpose and not be swayed by fleeting trends or political rhetoric,” Dr Majavu said.
The public lecture served as a reminder that while graduation is the goal, students need to build relationships, be strategic and take action while still at university to build their futures. As Bongani summed up: “Take yourself seriously. Life is a bit difficult when you leave university. But if you prepare, you can navigate it better.”
Final-year students listen attentively during the Humanities Student Academic Chapter public lecture.
Guest speakers, members of the Humanities Student Academic Chapter and NWU lecturers gather for a group photo after the lecture.
